The Mighty Plantain

For quite a while now I have read about the healing qualities of the common weed, the Plantain. I now have witnessed its powers personally! While at the farm over the weekend, my husband was clearing some weeds around the side of the house when I heard this odd yelp come from his direction. When I went to see what was wrong, I noticed him clutching one hand, cursing like a sailor. He explained that a wasp had bit him and I watched the sting swell by the second.

Something clicked in my brain and I exclaimed “Plantain”!! I then ran off, scouring the lawn until some was located. I chewed up the leaves while he chewed up one of the flowers. The paste that we made was then put onto the sting and no kidding…before he could walk back to the house, the pain was gone. Completely gone. No swelling or redness was left to be found.

If you haven’t heard of Plantain or its healing properties, I highly suggest you read up on it. Here’s a picture courtesy of  Lawn Pro:

There is some great information out there about Plantain and how it can help treat all kinds of skin conditions and upper respiratory ailments. Here’s one from Livestrong to get you started.

Why pay good money for man made chemicals when you can go to your yard and get your medicine straight from Mother Nature herself? For free! As with any wild plant, please make sure that whatever you are harvesting and/or ingesting has not been sprayed with pesticides. It’s best to use plants that you have grown yourself so you know exactly what you’re getting.

So next time you get a mosquito bite, or chest congestion, or a bee sting…turn to nature’s cure. The Plantain!